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Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The gastric bypass (sometimes called the Roux-en-Y) combines two weight loss surgery techniques. It limits the amount of food that can be eaten at a meal and reduces the amount of calories absorbed by the body by permanently altering the normal digestive process.

Risks are those similar to those with any general abdominal surgery. The gastric bypass procedure is nonreversible. Because part of the intestine is bypassed, poor absorption of iron, calcium, and other nutrients can occur. Life long intake of vitamins is essential. Dumping syndrome can occur as the result of rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine. Dumping syndrome is triggered when too much sugar or large amounts of food are consumed.

All surgical procedures carry risks, even more so when a patient is obese. Different procedures involve different risks, and depending upon your individual circumstances, your risks may be higher or lower than average.